London hospital Trusts prepare for rail chaos as health boss warns strike ‘will kill people’ – My London

Hospitals in London are currently scrambling to prepare for the looming rail strikes set to go ahead next week. Patients are being urged to plan ahead and an NHS Leader has warned the strikes will ‘probably kill people’ due to staff struggling to get to work. The strikes could have a particular impact on hospitals in London, many of which have limited parking capacity for those considering driving to appointments as an alternative. As well as affecting patient appointments, the strikes may also hamper NHS staff commutes.

Numerous NHS Trusts have warned patients to plan ahead. A spokesperson for Central North West London Trust, which provides community, sexual health, mental health, offender care, and addictions services said they are worried about the strikes, as it puts people off attending appointments.

They told MyLondon: “We would say to patients, try to make your appointments and if you can’t, call us and we can make other arrangements with you. Some can be on the phone or zoom where appropriate, home visits will go ahead… though likely to be more traffic which can slow staff-journeys down. [As for staff], we have taxis and in some rare cases accommodation”

Read more:All the London train services during rail strike days line by line as operators warn against travel

The strike action will start from Monday, June 20 and last for a week
(Image: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Over at Royal Free London NHS Trust, which manages the A&E at Barnet Hospital, a spokesperson said “Major disruption is expected. If you are visiting one of our hospitals during this period – please continue to check your travel and plan ahead. Our hospitals will be open as normal but please do let us know in advance if you are unable to attend your appointment.”

The London Ambulance Service is experiencing high demand amid soaring temperatures and continuing problems with lengthy handovers at A&E departments. Fears are now growing that next week’s rail strikes will push services to breaking point as many ambulance staff travel to work by public transport.

A source, who is closely involved in southern England’s emergency and urgent care services, told HSJ: “Next week’s rail strikes will probably end up killing people because they’ll prevent ambulance trust staff getting to work.”

Half of Britain’s rail lines will be closed during strikes on June 21, 23, and 25 by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union. Transport for London has also “strongly encouraged” people not to travel on London Underground on June 21 because of a 24-hour walkout by the RMT and Unite. It’s also warned that …….

Source: https://www.mylondon.news/news/health/london-hospital-trusts-prepare-rail-24255956